​​​​​HARRIS/MONTGOMERY COUNTIES - Construction continues on the extension of high occupancy vehicle lanes on I-45 between Harris and Montgomery counties, a project that could alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate increased public transportation usage.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is extending HOV lanes along the center of I-45 from FM 1960 to South Loop 336 in Conroe, TxDOT officials said.

The 16-mile extension will create an HOV lane in each direction—similar to those found on I-10 in Houston—and is expected to be completed in April.

Construction began on the $2.6 million expansion in October with TxDOT funding 20 percent of the project costs and the remaining 80 percent funded through federal sources, TxDOT officials said.

TxDOT officials estimate daily traffic counts on I-45 from FM 1960 to South Loop 336 in 2015 will increase by 35 percent in the next 20 years.